What reef tank inventions would you like to see?

[ScubaSteve]

The other day it hit me how many people on here are welders, engineers, designers, programmers, machinists, biologists, etc and pretty much everyone here can DIY the crud out of anything they want and I started ask myself "why aren't we more progressive in terms of equipment design and methods?".

Part of the problem is that whenever you think "Man, I really wish I had a _______" or "I wish my _______ did this or did this better" it just comes as a passing thought and you don't write it down, or you assume it's outside of your capabilities. So I thought let's create a thread where we can keep a repository of cool ideas and designs that we can either crowd source for ideas or have one member who's a particular pro at one idea weigh in and help solve a design problem.

Let's also keep a list of what capabilities different members have as well. The other day Skimmer King was looking for someone to build a bigger skimmer cup for him but no one seemed able to help him. Imisky and I both do plastics but are busy, it'd be awesome to see who else could help out. Or, if you wanted to learn how to do something, easily find a member who can help you out.

So let's hear all those cool/crazy ideas you've been thinking about and share the talent!

[kien]

Man, I really wish I had a solar powered automatic glass cleaner.

[ScubaSteve]

I'll kick it off.

-I've always wanted an activated sludge nitrate/phosphate removal system that could fit under a tank. Bye bye biopellets and GFO!

- a cheaper alternative to those uber-sexy Vortech powerheads

- cheap tank automation

Things I can offer to other members (if I have time ):

Chemical, mechanical and electrical engineering. Specialize in water treatment, UV disinfection, LEDs, semiconductors, fluid dynamics, automation and control.

Product design and prototyping. I have CNC mill capabilities at home for small parts smaller than 8"x 6" x 6" (particularly acrylic and aluminum) and have access to bigger mills if necessary. Can 3D print PLA and ABS parts and can injection mold silicon and urethane.

3D modeling.

Let me know how I can help!

[ScubaSteve]

Originally Posted by kien

Man, I really wish I had a solar powered automatic glass cleaner.

Don't we all

[Myka]

I really wish I had a waterchange robot.

[subman]

A water testing robot....that changes water too

[ScubaSteve]

Originally Posted by Myka

I really wish I had a waterchange robot.

I imagine it would look like this...

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by subman

A water testing robot....that changes water too

Raising my own, organic version., My daughter Felicia is only 4 and has been helping hold the hose for Daddy's water changes for a couple of years now. She actually gets disappointed if I do water changes without her cause she loves being helpful, especially for the fishie stuff.

[ScubaSteve]

Originally Posted by SeaHorse_Fanatic

Raising my own, organic version., My daughter Felicia is only 4 and has been helping hold the hose for Daddy's water changes for a couple of years now. She actually gets disappointed if I do water changes without her cause she loves being helpful, especially for the fishie stuff.

You can bring her over here to do mine if she wants some extra practice

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Product design and prototype your own buddy